Jim Waites

Jim Waites was born in Memphis, Texas. He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1969 with a B.S. degree and a M.Ed. in 1971.

He has held a career in banking with Security Bank and Great Plains Savings in Weatherford, expanding from 1974 -1990. He joined SWOSU in 1990 as Director of Development. In 1991 he became Director of Development and Alumni Services, in 2001 he became Assistant to the President for Institutional Advancement. In 2007, Jim was promoted to Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

During his tenure at SWOSU, the Foundation Endowment has grown from $820,000 to over $14,000,000. Developed the Foundation Policy and Procedures; participated in the development of Foundation Investment Policy; developed annual fund programs and has directed three major capitol campaigns and managed and administer the SWOSU Foundation Scholarships.

Instrumental in developing the Alumni membership drives; initiated and directed the Alumni Classic Golf Tournament for the past 15 years and established the SWOSU Alumni Affinity Credit Card Program.

Jim married Kathleen Moses in 1968. She graduated 1969 from SWOSU and received her masters in Communication Arts in 1979. They have two sons, Michael and Matt.